Front end vibration...again
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Port Hope, Ontario, Canada
Front end vibration...again
At highway speeds my 1993 90 CS vibrates quite violently when I am sort of 'feathering' the throttle. At a speed between 110-120km/h...just keeping a bit of pressure on the accelerator to maintain a speed....the steering wheel shakes violently. It doesn't happen when accelerating or when my foot is completely off the gas.
In the last few months...I have replaced the two front tires with new...I have replaced ball joints and CV shafts...
I still haven't had an alignment done after the parts were installed, but at the minute it is pretty well centered.
There is a slight vibration on the brake pedal when braking..but goes away when you increase pressure on the pedal. The brake rotors are less than a year old.
If the balance on the tires was out, I doubt it would present these symptoms.
Stumped....any thoughts?
In the last few months...I have replaced the two front tires with new...I have replaced ball joints and CV shafts...
I still haven't had an alignment done after the parts were installed, but at the minute it is pretty well centered.
There is a slight vibration on the brake pedal when braking..but goes away when you increase pressure on the pedal. The brake rotors are less than a year old.
If the balance on the tires was out, I doubt it would present these symptoms.
Stumped....any thoughts?
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Just one...
"I still haven't had an alignment done after the parts were installed, but at the minute it is pretty well centered."
I think it's time. Cool thing about having an alignment done. The expert is already under there looking around. If he finds anything, he'll let you know. Then, you can decide if what he finds is something you need him to do, or something you can do yourself.
Or, am I misunderstanding your problem?
"I still haven't had an alignment done after the parts were installed, but at the minute it is pretty well centered."
I think it's time. Cool thing about having an alignment done. The expert is already under there looking around. If he finds anything, he'll let you know. Then, you can decide if what he finds is something you need him to do, or something you can do yourself.
Or, am I misunderstanding your problem?
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Charlotte, NC
I didn't have nearly the shake you describe, but when I checked my inner tie rod bushings at the power steering rack, there was slop in one side. The bushing has an inner metal sleeve and the bushing was not as firm as it should be. When the steering wheel was moved, the bushing flexed too much. I was forced to replace the entire arm as the bushing is not serviceable. Shake and wheel vibration went away. An easy thing to look at and consider. Just remove the noise damper.
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Solid decision... well done.
That's what I like about good shops. They'll give you a list of what needs to be replaced before their alignment "will hold."
If you're up to the task, you can then replace the stuff that need to be replaced, and then bring the car back to let them perform the alignment in order to "dial it in."
That's what I like about good shops. They'll give you a list of what needs to be replaced before their alignment "will hold."
If you're up to the task, you can then replace the stuff that need to be replaced, and then bring the car back to let them perform the alignment in order to "dial it in."
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Canada
Re: "In for alignment tomorrow..."
Ask them to look at <i>everything</i> as you are having this issue, and it best be corrected before your alignment. Strut-mounts, or control arm bushings maybe? You can search and read about these here and how to check them.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Port Hope, Ontario, Canada
Good Call!! I had to suck it up and take it to the Audi/VW dealer for the alignment...$89 Cdn. When I took it in, the first thing they checked was the control arm bushings and bingo! Everything else seems ok according to the technician. Brakes are a bit worn, but I knew that and am doing that myself.
Bushings are $137 each! Dealer quoted $670 to do the whole job. Unfortunately I can't do it myself, so I am screwed. Have to fork it out. Anyone else have a source for cheaper bushings?
Bushings are $137 each! Dealer quoted $670 to do the whole job. Unfortunately I can't do it myself, so I am screwed. Have to fork it out. Anyone else have a source for cheaper bushings?
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Port Hope, Ontario, Canada
OK...not sure what the f#@k is going on. I had a guy replace the bushings about 2 years ago. Bought them for $20 ea. They wore out in 2 years and the guy who installed them complained that they didn't fit well and that he didn't have to press them in. Dealer says they have to be pressed in. Just looking on 034 and they list the bushings for $5!!! They are the same make as the ones I installed 2 years ago. Should I chance it and get the cheaper ones and have another shop put them in and hope they fit better? Anyone bought OE bushings for their car from 034?
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From: Scotia, NY
Anywhere but the dealer.
GAP - just bushings
http://www.germanautoparts.com/Audi/90/Suspension/29/6
034 - kit per side with hardware
http://www.034motorsport.com/chassis...sis-p-507.html
That's just with a couple of quick clicks.
Dealer is a ripoff and you can have this work done at any shop with a press. Their price is excessive even for the labor. Don't ever take your car to the stealership. You WILL get raped and they expect you to be happy about it.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Scotia, NY
You have to get the right ones and they DO have to be pressed in.
Do you have cast or stamped control arms?
I don't see the $5 ones you're referring to on 034. Just seeing their delrin kits.
Last edited by GuyllFyre; Aug 25, 2011 at 08:57 AM.